Thanks again Mark Lalloo for all that you do in keeping this event a positive and fun experience for all involved!
For the first time since 2019, the Jill E. Solomon Bicycle Helmet Safety Day was held on Sat. May 21, 2022, at Delfino Park in White Plains, N.Y. This event is sponsored by the White Plains Rec. & Parks Dept. for the children of the city and supported by the Jill E. Solomon Foundation, which provides all helmets free of cost. The local bike clubs: Unione Sportiva Italiana (USI) & Westchester Cycle Club (WCC) have supported Helmet Day for many years by providing volunteers and other aid. This year volunteering from USI were Drake Spencer, Ellen Pollock, Frank Wortner, John Brett, Rob Leggiero, Sherri Tiesi and Steve Pollock. Volunteers from WCC were Amy Schneider, Barbara Schwarz, Beverly Thornhill, David Marchi, Ellen Katz, Karin Weisburgh, Kenny Joseph, Michele Saferstein, Paula Edlavitch, Rob Kantor, Scott Nielsen & Walter Peek.
There are four major activities of Helmet Day: helmet fitting, bike & equipment check, safe riding & traffic skills and learning to ride (for new bike riders). The volunteers are an integral part of each activity. Without the volunteers, Helmet Day does not happen. The efforts of the volunteers resulted in another successful event: 107 helmets were given to the children, many kids had their bikes checked & tuned up and some learned safe riding & traffic skills. Also, a few kids learn to ride a bike for the first time. For the second time at Helmet Day, a kid's bike came in the box and was assembled by a volunteer (thank you Steve P.).
The volunteers were thanked personally by Mayor Tom Roach. Finally, a few volunteers joined me for a post event ride to The Creamery in Valhalla for ice cream. A safe and successful day for everyone involved. -MJL